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DWI charges in Louisiana can carry long-term effects that reach far beyond the initial legal consequences. While most people focus on fines, license suspension, or possible jail time, it’s just as important to understand how long a DWI can follow you on your record. In Louisiana, a DWI doesn’t simply “go away” after court proceedings conclude — it can remain visible to background checks, insurance companies, and employers for years.
This post explores how long a DWI stays on your record in Louisiana, what it affects, and why the timeline matters. Knowing this information can help residents of Louisiana better understand the administrative and long-term implications tied to a DWI. We’ll also look at how Louisiana’s treatment of prior offenses differs from other states, how long insurance rates are affected, and what options, if any, may exist for expungement under Louisiana law.
Whether this is your first experience with a DWI or you’re simply trying to understand the long-term impact, the focus here is strictly informational. The goal is to provide clarity and detail about how DWI records work in Louisiana — without legal jargon, fear tactics, or assumptions.
Let’s dive into the timelines, rules, and long-term effects you need to know about.
How Long a DWI Remains on Your Criminal Record in Louisiana
In Louisiana, a first-offense DWI typically remains on your criminal record for 10 years. This timeframe is significant because Louisiana uses a “lookback period” when determining penalties for future offenses. If a second DWI occurs within 10 years of the first, it may be charged and sentenced more severely.
This 10-year window begins from the date of conviction, not the date of arrest. During that time, law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts can access the record for future charging purposes. While the offense may eventually “age out” of this lookback period, it still remains on the criminal record unless formally expunged.
It’s important to note that even if the lookback period expires, the DWI may still show up in comprehensive background checks depending on who is requesting the record and for what purpose. Background check agencies often access broader criminal databases where older offenses may still be visible.
Louisiana does allow for expungement in some DWI cases, but the process isn’t automatic and involves specific conditions. We’ll cover that more below.
How Long a DWI Stays on Your Driving Record in Louisiana
A separate but equally important timeline applies to your driving record, which is maintained by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). A DWI generally stays on your driving record for 10 years as well.
This matters because insurance companies and licensing authorities often refer to the OMV driving record when determining rates or deciding on license-related actions. Even if a court handles the criminal side of the DWI, the OMV maintains its own set of administrative consequences, including license suspension and reinstatement requirements.
Unlike some minor traffic violations that may drop off your record after a few years, a DWI is treated as a serious offense and is retained for a full decade. During that time, it can impact license renewals, point assessments, and even eligibility for certain driving-related privileges.
Drivers in Louisiana should understand that these timelines for criminal and driving records run parallel but are managed by separate systems.
Impact of a DWI on Employment and Background Checks in Louisiana
In Louisiana, DWI offenses can appear on employment background checks, especially if the conviction has not been expunged. Employers that run criminal background screenings may see DWI convictions going back many years, even beyond the 10-year lookback period used by the courts.
The presence of a DWI on a background check does not automatically disqualify someone from employment, but it may raise concerns, especially in industries that involve driving, security clearance, or working with vulnerable populations.
Many background check services pull from national and state-level databases, and even expunged records may occasionally appear if those databases haven’t been updated. In Louisiana, it’s crucial for individuals to verify what their background check shows, especially if they are job hunting after a DWI conviction.
Some employers are more understanding than others, but transparency and awareness of what’s on your record are important for managing expectations.
Insurance Implications of a DWI in Louisiana
A DWI in Louisiana typically leads to higher auto insurance rates, often for the full 10-year duration that it stays on your driving record. Insurance providers may classify you as a high-risk driver after a DWI, which can significantly increase your premiums.
In many cases, your current insurer may raise your rates at the time of renewal, or in some instances, drop your coverage entirely. This forces some drivers to seek out high-risk insurance providers, which often come with added costs and stricter terms.
Louisiana does not have a fixed law that limits how long insurance companies can use a DWI to determine your risk category. As long as the DWI remains on your OMV record, insurers may use it as a factor when calculating your premium.
Drivers should also be aware of Louisiana’s SR-22 requirement for license reinstatement. An SR-22 is a special insurance filing that proves financial responsibility and is typically required for several years following a DWI.
Can a DWI Be Expunged in Louisiana?
Yes, under certain circumstances, a DWI conviction in Louisiana can be expunged, but not all cases qualify. Expungement refers to the process of removing a conviction from public access in your criminal record. This can make the offense less visible to employers, landlords, and other entities conducting background checks.
To qualify for expungement in Louisiana, a minimum 10-year waiting period must usually pass from the date of conviction or the completion of the sentence, whichever is later. Additionally, the individual must not have any other felony convictions during that time and must meet other eligibility requirements.
Expungement does not erase the offense entirely; it may still be accessible to law enforcement and court officials. However, it does shield the record from general public view, which can be beneficial in many real-world situations such as job applications or housing approvals.
Louisiana’s expungement laws are specific and can change, so individuals often seek out current information about eligibility and procedures.
Differences Between Criminal and Administrative Records
It’s useful to understand that in Louisiana, your criminal record and your administrative (OMV) record operate independently. A DWI conviction affects both, but each system tracks and manages the offense differently.
The criminal record is tied to court proceedings and remains a part of your permanent legal history unless expunged. The administrative record, managed by the OMV, includes details related to your driver’s license, suspension periods, reinstatement status, and any required SR-22 filings.
An individual might successfully complete all court-mandated penalties yet still face restrictions or insurance challenges based on the administrative record. Likewise, an expungement of a criminal DWI record may not remove the offense from the OMV file.
For Louisiana residents, keeping these two systems in mind helps clarify why a DWI can have lasting effects even after legal proceedings have ended.
What Happens After the 10-Year Mark?
Once the 10-year period has passed, a Louisiana DWI typically no longer counts against you for purposes like repeat offense sentencing or driver’s license suspension escalations. However, that doesn’t guarantee it disappears from every system.
The OMV may still retain the offense internally even if it no longer shows on a public driving record abstract. Similarly, some background check services might keep archived data that includes old DWI convictions.
If no new offenses have occurred during the 10-year window, it’s generally viewed as a reset point under Louisiana law. However, for practical purposes — like insurance or background checks — individuals may still encounter residual effects.
In many cases, pursuing an expungement after the 10-year mark can help reduce the visibility of the old conviction. Knowing what stays, what goes, and what you can control helps manage the long-term impact.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWI Records in Louisiana
Can I get a first-offense DWI expunged in Louisiana?
Yes, but only after a 10-year waiting period and meeting other criteria such as having no additional felony convictions.
Do DWIs fall off my Louisiana driving record after a certain time?
DWIs typically remain on the OMV driving record for 10 years. After that, their visibility may reduce depending on the system accessing it.
Will employers always see my DWI in background checks?
Not always. If expunged, it may not appear in public background checks, but some employers may still access older or more complete data sources.
Does a DWI affect car insurance forever?
Not forever, but for as long as it stays on your driving record — which is generally 10 years in Louisiana — it can affect your insurance rates.
Is there a way to check what my record shows in Louisiana?
Yes. You can request copies of your criminal record from the Louisiana State Police and your driving record from the OMV.
Conclusion
Understanding how long a DWI stays on your record in Louisiana is essential for managing both short-term consequences and long-term effects. From criminal history to driving status, employment checks, and insurance premiums, the impact can last a decade or more — unless specific steps are taken to limit its visibility. While the law may eventually consider the offense “aged out” after 10 years, your record may still show signs of it in various systems.
For more on how driving convictions affect your record over time, visit the DUI Records and Long Term Impact page. You can also read the full breakdown on How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record for added insights into this topic.